Rivers near flood level in Eastern Washington

Some residents urged to leave

Published 10:00 pm, Friday, May 19, 2006

WENATCHEE -- High temperatures are causing mountain snowpack to melt rapidly, creating the possibility of flooding in parts of Eastern Washington.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Harum said numerous rivers in that area are approaching flood levels. Rivers are expected to continue to rise significantly through the weekend.

The Stehekin River was measured at 25.87 feet Thursday; flood stage is 24 feet. The Entiat River was at 6.64 feet, with flood stage at 7.5 feet. The Wenatchee River was at 11.4 feet, with flood stage at 13 feet.

The Sheriff's Office said residents along the Upper Entiat River, the Upper Stehekin Valley and residents of Leavenworth along East Leavenworth Road are being contacted and encouraged to evacuate. It was not known how many had left their homes.

The National Weather Service also issued a flood warning for the Methow River in Okanogan County. The river was running at 10.1 feet on Friday morning, just above the flood stage of 10 feet, and was expected to crest at 11 feet.